Red, White & Blue Tablescape

July 4th is always a fun holiday to celebrate. And since most people like to be outdoors and BBQ for the weekend, it's easy to throw together a simple and casual look.

Here is my festive tablescape:

I added everything around the tablerunner my mom made me last year. (Here's a look back at it.)

My Ikea cocktail glasses.

The place setting starts with silver chargers, my patriotic napkins from Hobby Lobby, a basic white plate and a decorative blue salad plate on top.

My new Pottery Barn utensils wrapped together with twine.

The burlap-wrapped candles I made a few weeks back.

A blue bucket from Hobby Lobby holds more napkins and would be handy if you want to take the party outside.

And there you have it! Happy 4th everyone!

Linking up with Centsational Girl and Between Naps on the Porch.

Patriotic Pretzels

July 4th is just around the corner and I've been busy preparing for my long holiday weekend.

Here's a sweet treat I borrowed from Martha Stewart- Pretzel Sparklers.

Just melt some chocolate (I chose white chocolate) in the microwave. Dip each pretzel rod in the chocolate and then lay them out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Pour some red, white and blue sprinkles on top and refrigerate to harden.

Once the chocolate has hardened stack them up in some jars.

Easy to grab and go.

Trip to Hobby Lobby

My trip to Hobby Lobby was quite successful. Let's take a look at the goods:

A double pail container with a handle. I plan to use this to hold silverware or napkins and haul it out to the back patio for some outdoor dining.

A glass jar, patriotic baking cups and some red, white and blue sprinkles. I saw on Martha Stewart's website some chocolate and sprinkles covered pretzels. I plan on whipping up some of these and staking them up in the glass jar.

Some paper tags that can be used for gifts or as placecards at the table.

4 napkins

And a wire basket I plan to use to hold all my cloth napkins.

And stay tuned to see how all these patriotic items come together in my 4th of July tablescape.

Vase Alternatives

Looking for something other than the ordinary vase?

Take a look at these pictures of great vintage finds converted into flower vases.

Teacups and teapots.

Bottles and crates.

Coffee mugs.

Tiered wire baskets.

Water pitcher.

Images courtesy of Style Me Pretty and Snippet & Ink

Framed Pictures

Remember these flower prints I found at the Flea Market?

I picked out 6 prints with mostly blue and green colors in them for $1 a piece.

Then I found some frames at Michael's for $7 for a 2-pack.

And here is what they look like hung on my dining room wall.

I love how they look flanked on each side of the mirror. Now I'm on the hunt for 2 matching table lamps for the sideboard and to get rid of that floor lamp.

Linking up to the Inspired By Party by The Inspired Room and to Metamorphosis Monday by Between Naps on the Porch.

Summer is here!

Memorial Day weekend is here and summer is upon us.

Here is my Memorial Day tablescape.

All the colors were pulled from my tablecloths (rugs from Ikea- only $2.99!)

Add in WalMart chargers, Crate & Barrel white plates and red plates from HomeGoods. The napkins are from Target and Crate & Barrel silverware sits on top.

Each person's seat is labeled on their drinking glass. These are so cute and were given to me as a wedding shower gift.

Here are my burlap ribbon candles I made last week. And some flowers bought at Trader Joe's.

A pitcher sits in my old pie tin I found a few weeks ago at the flea market.

Have a great weekend everyone! And happy summer!!

Linking up to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

Burlap Ribbon: A Craft Project

My mom found this burlap ribbon at Hobby Lobby a few months ago and I finally came up with something to use it for.

I bought some candles at Ikea for $8 and some upholstery thumbtacks from Home Depot for $1.

...and voila!

Cute little ribbon-wrapped candles!

So quick, simple and cheap.

Happy weekend crafting to you :)

Linking to Metamorphosis Mondays at Between Naps on the Porch